If you’re searching for affordable gaming laptops under $700 in 2025, you’re in luck — this year’s budget gaming laptops are more powerful than ever. Thanks to advancements in hardware, you can now enjoy smooth 1080p gaming, high refresh rates, and even some entry-level ray tracing without spending a fortune.
In this expert guide, we’ll cover the top budget gaming laptops that deliver amazing performance per dollar. Whether you’re a student, a casual gamer, or a professional looking for a gaming-capable work laptop, these picks won’t disappoint.
Looking for affordable Laptops too? Check out our Best Budget Laptops Under $500 (2025 Edition) – Top Picks.
Best Affordable Gaming Laptops Under $700 (2025)
1. Acer Nitro 5 (2025 Model)
CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650 4GB
RAM: 8GB DDR4 (Upgradable)
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 15.6” FHD, 144Hz
Price: ~$699
👍 Pros:
Solid 1080p performance
Upgradable RAM & storage
High refresh rate display
👎 Cons:
GTX 1650 is aging for newer AAA games
2. ASUS TUF Gaming F15
CPU: Intel Core i5-11400H
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 15.6” FHD, 144Hz
Price: ~$679
👍 Pros:
Military-grade durability
Good cooling system
👎 Cons:
Slightly heavy at 5 lbs
3. HP Victus 15
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 15.6” FHD, 144Hz
Price: ~$659
👍 Pros:
Great CPU for multitasking
Comfortable keyboard
👎 Cons:
Limited color accuracy for creative work
4. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 6600H
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650
RAM: 8GB DDR5
Storage: 256GB SSD
Display: 15.6” FHD, 120Hz
Price: ~$649
👍 Pros:
Fast DDR5 memory
Good battery life for a gaming laptop
👎 Cons:
Smaller storage capacity
5. Dell G15 (Entry Gaming Model)
CPU: Intel Core i5-11400H
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 256GB SSD
Display: 15.6” FHD, 120Hz
Price: ~$629
👍 Pros:
Reliable Dell build quality
Affordable entry-level option
👎 Cons:
Lower refresh rate compared to others
Comparison Table
| Laptop Model | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Display | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Nitro 5 | i5-12450H | GTX 1650 | 8GB | 512GB | 144Hz | $699 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming F15 | i5-11400H | GTX 1650 Ti | 8GB | 512GB | 144Hz | $679 |
| HP Victus 15 | Ryzen 5 5600H | GTX 1650 | 8GB | 512GB | 144Hz | $659 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 | Ryzen 5 6600H | GTX 1650 | 8GB | 256GB | 120Hz | $649 |
| Dell G15 | i5-11400H | GTX 1650 | 8GB | 256GB | 120Hz | $629 |
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Affordable Gaming Laptop Under $700
When shopping for affordable gaming laptops under $700, keep these factors in mind:
Processor (CPU): Look for at least an Intel i5 (11th gen+) or AMD Ryzen 5 5000 series.
Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GTX 1650 or better for 1080p gaming.
RAM: Minimum 8GB, with upgrade options to 16GB.
Storage: At least 256GB SSD for fast boot times.
Display: 120Hz or higher refresh rate for smoother visuals.
Pros & Cons of Budget Gaming Laptops
✅ Pros:
Affordable price points
Capable of 1080p gaming
Portable compared to desktops
❌ Cons:
Limited future-proofing
May require RAM/storage upgrades
Lower GPU power for demanding games
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most can handle AAA titles at medium settings in 1080p.
Absolutely, they are great for multitasking and productivity.
Yes, most allow RAM upgrades up to 16GB or more.
Yes, especially for competitive gaming — aim for 120Hz or more.
Conclusion
Finding affordable gaming laptops under $700 in 2025 is easier than ever, with solid options from Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, and Dell. These models strike the perfect balance between price and performance, making them ideal for gamers on a budget.
➡️ Explore more tech buying guides at BudgetGearGuide.com.